Mani Pathmarajah, a founding member of the Tamil Co-op in Toronto, reflects on her life journey, from Sri Lanka to Canada, and the role she played in supporting refugees. She recalls a life once filled with community and ease in Kalmunai, Sri Lanka, where she lived with her husband and family, hosting friends and enjoying simple pleasures like playing bridge. "We had a good life in Sri Lanka," she says, remembering the food, camaraderie, and even the joy of hosting local dignitaries.

However, as the conflict in Sri Lanka intensified, it became clear that leaving was necessary for her safety. "Luckily, we were not harmed," she notes, but the ongoing risks led her brothers to encourage her to move to Canada, where many Tamils had already sought refuge. Upon arriving in Canada, she faced a new set of challenges: the cold climate, a new culture, and the absence of household help. "The weather, the culture, the dress, everything was different," she reflects. "But luckily, my brothers taught me."

In the early years, Mani worked hard to help build the Tamil Co-op, a housing initiative aimed at providing support to refugees. As the first secretary of the Co-op, she played a pivotal role in organizing and advocating for Tamil families. "We had doctors, lawyers, teachers—professionals who couldn’t get apartments," she explains. Through volunteer work and collective effort, the Co-op provided affordable housing and support to the Tamil community, helping those in need find stability.